Displ spiral fx shaft of unsp tibia, 7thB

This diagnosis code indicates a break in the shaft of the tibia, characterized by a spiral fracture pattern where the bone fragments are not properly aligned (displaced). It specifically applies when the skin is broken, exposing the fracture, classified as an open fracture type I or II.

This code is appropriate for the initial treatment of a patient presenting with a newly diagnosed, displaced spiral fracture of the tibial shaft where the integrity of the skin has been compromised. This includes scenarios such as a direct impact causing both the fracture and a laceration, or a high-energy injury resulting in an open wound communicating with the fracture site.

• Ensure documentation specifies "displaced" and "spiral" fracture of the tibial shaft.
• Confirm the encounter is for the initial treatment of the fracture.
• Verify the open fracture type is clearly documented as I or II; other open fracture types will require a different code.